ALJBS College Credit Information
The American Legion Jersey Boys State program is not only recognized by service academies, private universities, and state colleges as an honor for our alumni, in 2015 the New Jersey State Legislature passed Senate Bill 489 which encourages New Jersey colleges and universities to grant up to three (3) hours of credit to alumni of the Jersey Boys State program. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed it into law in January 2016 (NJ P.L. 2015, C. 221).
Rider University College Credit Program
As a result of this legislation, a 2019 agreement between The American Legion Jersey Boys State and Rider University, Rider’s Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics will grant three (3) semester hours of college credit to those young men who successfully complete the American Legion Jersey Boys State program and fulfill certain other requirements.
The core of this agreement requires those delegates who wish to take advantage of the college credit program to enroll in Rider University’s course entitled: “POL 200, New Jersey Politics and Government.” Enrollment in this course is strictly for ALJBS delegates and carries certain requirements that have to be met before credit will be granted. The majority of the course requirements is satisfied through the various readings and activities during the ALJBS session itself. You must complete all aspects of ALJBS and attain at least a “B” on the ALJBS final exam.* Additionally, you will be required to submit a final paper (memo) that outlines your experience at ALJBS.
* Individual test scores will be provided to Rider University in mid-July. There are no intentions of providing individual scores to the statesmen at the end of the session. Rather, they should complete the required essay (memo) portion of the course.
Applying for ALJBS College Credit
To apply for admission to Rider’s POL 200 course, and to learn more about the requirements for credit, click here and follow the instructions provided. If you are applying for a ALJBS scholarship (see section for those who are economically challenged below), do not complete an application on Riders website.
The POL 200 course is only open to ALJBS delegates in the current year. Once the course registration is closed on June 30th, you will not be able to register for POL 200 in any future class term. Therefore, it is critical that you complete the course registration by June 30th and submit your paper by July 31st. Failing to do so will make you ineligible to receive college credit from Rider University for your ALJBS completion. Tuition for POL 200 is $275 if registered by June 16th. From June 16th to June 30th, the tuition will increase to $300.
Special Consideration for Economically Challenged Delegates
Delegates and families who are economically challenged and are currently receiving benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and/or the National School Lunch Program, and who cannot afford the tuition for the POL 200 course, may request scholarship consideration from the ALJBS. Click here to apply for help with the POL 200 tuition, and follow the instructions provided.
Why Take Advantage of the ALJBS/Rider University College Credit Program?
There are a number of reasons why you should take advantage of the ALJBS – Rider University College Credit Program, including:
1. Portability: Since “POL 200, New Jersey Politics and Government”, is an accredited course through Rider University, the credit provided is transferrable and may be accepted by many more colleges and universities, though no guarantees that a college will accept the transcript credits can be made.
2. Course Cost Savings: Today, the average cost per three semester hour college course is between $2,500 and $3,000. At $250 for POL 200, represents is a savings of between $2,250 and $2,750 or more depending on the college or university that you choose to attend.
For More Information
Please ensure you have read this page in its entirety. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Dean of Education and staff by clicking here.